Learn Hardcore Spanish (Latin America): Para que no me duela el hombro, sostengo la mochila con ambas manos. - So that my shoulder doesn’t hurt, I hold the backpack with both hands.

We use para que when introducing a subordinate clause with a different subject and expressing purpose. In this sentence the subject of the main clause (“yo” implied) differs from the subject of the subordinate clause (“el hombro”).

After para que you must use the subjunctive (duela).
If the subject were the same, you could use para
- infinitive (e.g. para no dolerme).

Why is duela in the subjunctive rather than the indicative duele?

Because para que expresses purpose or intention, Spanish grammar requires the subjunctive in the subordinate clause. Here you’re saying “so that my shoulder doesn’t hurt,” a desired outcome, not a statement of fact.

Could I rephrase it as para no dolerme el hombro instead?

Yes. Para no dolerme el hombro uses para + infinitive to express purpose without a change of subject or subjunctive. It’s more concise, but both versions are correct.

Why is there a me before duela?

The verb doler functions like to hurt someone, so you always need an indirect object pronoun to indicate who feels the pain.

me duele = “it hurts me”
le duele = “it hurts him/her”
Without me, the sentence would be ungrammatical.

Why is it el hombro instead of mi hombro?

In Spanish, when a body part is linked to a person by an indirect object pronoun (here me), you use the definite article rather than a possessive adjective. The pronoun already tells you whose shoulder it is, so you say el hombro.

Why use ambas manos instead of las dos manos?

Both are grammatically correct and mean “both hands.”

ambas manos is slightly more formal/concise.
las dos manos is perfectly fine and more common in everyday speech.

What nuance does sostener have here? Could I use agarrar or sujetar instead?

sostener = to hold up or support something steadily to prevent it from falling or causing strain.
agarrar = to grab or grab hold of something (a quick, often one-time action).
sujetar = to secure or fasten something in place.
Here sostener is best because you’re continuously supporting the backpack to avoid shoulder pain.

Why is con ambas manos placed at the end of the sentence?

Spanish word order is flexible. Placing con ambas manos at the end is the most neutral option (Verb–Object–Adjunct). If you front it—Con ambas manos sostengo la mochila—you add emphasis to how you hold it.

Why is the verb in simple present (sostengo) rather than present progressive (estoy sosteniendo)?

The simple present describes habitual actions or general facts (“I hold/support the backpack”). The present progressive (estoy sosteniendo) would stress that you’re holding it right now at this very moment, which is also correct but less typical for stating routine or general practice.